1947	Fats Navarro Chronology
	Created by Leif Bo Petersen and Theo Rehak	Last updated: January 25, 2017.
Date	Event	References/Further Details
January–February	Illinois Jacquet Combo Dickie Wells tells that Fats Navarro gigged with Jacquet’s combo in this period. He may occasionally have subbed for Russell Jacquet. This may have been going on also in March and April.	Theo Rehak interview with Dickie Wells. See L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 125–26.
January early	Illinois Jacquet and His Orchestra Incl. Fats Navarro and Miles Davis. Rumored engagement at Spotlite Club, New York, NY. Probably not true.	G. Carner, The Miles Davis Companion (1996), 246. Clark Monroe had sold Spotlite Club in mid December It now was owned by Max Schreiber and others and had changed name to Famous Door. The bills in December 1946 and January 1947 seem to have had Henry Red Allen and girl shows. See also L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 125. .
January 7	Illinois Jacquet and His Orchestra 17 pieces: Fats Navarro, Joe Newman, Miles Davis, Marion Hazel (tp); Dickie Wells, Fred Robinson, Gus Chappell, Ted Kelly (tb); Jimmy Powell, Ray Perry (as); George Nicholas, Illinois Jacquet (ts); Leo Parker (bars); Bill Doggett (p); John Collins (g): Al Lucas (b); Shadow Wilson (d). WOR-Mutual Studios, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Aladdin.	“Illinois Jacquet Forms Own Band,” Los Angeles Sentinel, January 23, 1947, 20: Jacquet plans to tour with nationally with the big band. “Illinois Jacquet and New 17-piece outfit at Renny, New York Amsterdam News, January 18, 1947, 23. For details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 141–42.
January 19	Illinois Jacquet and His Orchestra 17 pieces: Fats Navarro, Joe Newman, Miles Davis, Marion Hazel (tp); Dickie Wells, Fred Robinson, Gus Chappell, Ted Kelly (tb); Jimmy Powell, Ray Perry (as); George Nicholas, Illinois Jacquet (ts); Leo Parker (bars); Bill Doggett (p); John Collins (g): Al Lucas (b); Shadow Wilson (d). Maybe it was only a 6-piece combo including Fats Navarro. Renaissance Ballroom, New York, NY. Doors open 8 p.m.	Ad in New York Amsterdam News, January 18, 1947, 21. “Illinois Jacquet and New 17-piece outfit at Renny, New York Amsterdam News, January 18, 1947, 23: Gives the personnel of the band. “Music – As Written,” Billboard, February 1, 1947, 18: has Jacquet with a six-piece combo at this concert. “Bill Rowe’s Notebook,” Pittsburgh Courier, February 8, 1947, 18: six-piece combo at Renny last week. See also L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 126.
January 25	Illinois Jacquet and His Orchestra Elizabeth, NJ. Fats Navarro may have participated here.	“Where They Are Playing,” Chicago Defender, January 25, 1947, 10.
January 26	Jam Session Allen Eager, Morris Lane (sax battle); Bennie Harris, Fats Navarro (tp), Al Haig, Tadd Dameron (p), Billy Taylor Jr., Eddie Brown (b), Jack “The Bear” Parker, Charles Simon (dr), Helen Humes (voc): Babs Gonzales, 3 Bips and a Bop; Sitters in: Miles Davis (tp), Leo Parker (bars), and Pee Wee Tinney (g) Club Sudan, NYC. 4–8:30. The New Yorkers Inc. (prod): Jazz in Be-Bop.	“Jazz in Be-Bop,” New York Amsterdam News, February 1, 1947, 21: review.
January 29	Fats Navarro and His Thin Men Fats Navarro (tp); Leo Parker (as, bars); Tadd Dameron (p); Gene Ramey (b); Denzil Best (d). Schermer Studio, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Savoy. Teddy Reig (prod).	For details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 127–29, 142–44.
January 31	Illinois Jacquet and His Orchestra Russell Jacquet (tp), Illinois Jacquet (ts), Leo Parker (bars), Bill Doggett (p), Al Lucas (b), Shadow Wilson (dr). Royal Theatre, Baltimore, MD. January 31–February 6. Navarro did not participate here.	“Illinois Jacquet Youngest of Current Band Leaders,” Afro-American, February 8, 1947, 5: 6-piece band with personnel as written.
February–May	Fats Navarro/Bud Powell Navarro and Bud Powell are reported jamming at Club Baron, New York, NY This Club opened in Feb. 1947 and changed to a cinema café in May.	Walter Bishop Jr. in P. Pullman, Booklet to the Complete Bud Powell on Verve (1994), 43.
February 7	Illinois Jacquet and His Orchestra Dayton, OH. Fats Navarro may have participated here.	“Illinois Jacquet Youngest of Current Band Leaders,” Afro-American, February 8, 1947, 5: 6-piece band. “Where They Are Playing.” Chicago Defender, February 8, 1947, 26.
February 8	Illinois Jacquet and His Orchestra Buffalo, NY. Fats Navarro may have participated here.	“Illinois Jacquet Youngest of Current Band Leaders,” Afro-American, February 8, 1947, 5: 6-piece band. “Where They Are Playing.” Chicago Defender, February 8, 1947, 26.
February 13	Illinois Jacquet and His Orchestra Engagement in Akron, OH. Fats Navarro may have participated here.	“Illinois Jacquet Youngest of Current Band Leaders,” Afro-American, February 8, 1947, 5: 6-piece band. “Where They Are Playing Chicago Defender, February 8, 1947, 26.
February 14	Dizzy Gillespie and His Orchestra Illinois Jacquet and His Sextette Sarah Vaughan John Mason Paradise Theater, Detroit, MI. Feb. 14–20. Fats Navarro seems to have participated here	Ad in Detroit Free Press, February 14, 1947, 18. Theo Rehak interview with Dickie Wells. See L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation — The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 125—26.
February 15	Jam Session Dizzy Gillespie  Illinois Jacquet  Paradise, Detroit, MI. February 15, 1947. 5 p.m. According to Dickie Wells Navarro left Jacquet after this jam session, but he may have continued subbing in the March and April.	“Detroit Boy Will Sit in on Jam,” Detroit Free Press, February 13, 1947, 17: Melvin Tichik, 6 years old, will sit in at jam session with Jacquet and Gillespie. Ad in Detroit Free Press, February 14, 1947, 18. “Detroit Cobs Called as Fans Rush Jacquet,” Chicago Defender March 15, 1947, 27: Detroit, Mich – Illinois Jacquet, youthful “Dynamo of the Saxophone” proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is America’s most exiting instrumentalist when he provoked a near riot in a jam session, that was presented on stage of the Paradise Theatre here and emceed by Ed McKenzie, popular WJBK disc Jockey of “Jack the Bellboy” fame. Police rushed to the theatre when the crowd overflowed the lobby and tied up traffic in the vicinity, When the fire department ordered ticket sales halted the front ranks of the crowd battered in the ticket office. Theo Rehak interview with Dickie Wells. See L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation — The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 125—26.
February 16	Matinee Jam session Trumpet battle: Navarro vs. Jesse Drake. Carl Pratt, Dick Hyman, Chuck Mescudi, Hal Stein, Morris Lane, and others. Club 845, New York, NY. Afternoon. Johnny Jackson Presents series no. 3.	Ad in New York Amsterdam News, February 15, 1947, 24.
February 18	Milton Buggs and Billie Stewart Accompanied by Ray Abrams Orchestra Fats Navarro (tp); Leonard Lowry (as); Ray Abrams (ts); Cecil Payne (bars); Kenny Watts (p); Leonard Gaskin (b); Lee Abrams (d); Milton Buggs, Billie Stewart (voc). Unidentified Studio, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Savoy. Teddy Reig (prod).	For details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 129–30, 146–47.
February 23	Jam session/Concert Billie Holiday; Charlie Shavers; All star Sextet including Bud Powell (p); Eddie Lockjaw Davis – Morris Lane (ts battle); Babs Gonzales, 3 Bips and a Bop. Also appearing: Fats Navarro Bennie Harris (tp); Rudy Williams (as); Charlie Simon, Jack the Bear (g); Tadd Dameron, P. W. Tinney, (p); Arthur Phipps, Gene Ramey, Lloyd Buchanan (b); Jack the Bear Parker (d); Club Sudan, New York, NY. Matinee concert. The New Yorkers Inc. (prod).	Beboppers Hit with Holiday’s Solid Chirping,” New York Amsterdam News, March 1, 1947, 23: Review.
March 28	Dizzy Gillespie’s Orchestra Savoy Ballroom, NYC. March 28–April 11. Navarro is falsely rumored in Gillespie’s band here caused by chronological mistakes in the literature. Howard McGhee states that he and Navarro was hanging out together as listeners at the Savoy during Gillespie’s engagement. McGhee and Parker arrived together in New York on April 7. Charlie Parker is sitting in with Gillespie at the Savoy probably on April 8.	“Band Routes,” Afro-American, February 22, 3: Gillespie opening on March 28 for an “indefinite stay” at Savoy Ballroom, NYC. “Where They Are Playing.” Chicago Defender, April 12, 1947: Gillespie in NYC March 22–April 11. Ray Brown in D. Gillespie and A. Fraser, To Be or Not to Bop (1979), 272. P. Schaap-interview with Howard McGhee. J. Szwed, So What (2002), 58: Has Navarro and Miles Davis with Gillespie at Hunt’s Point Palace and at Savoy, but this is not true. See L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 130.
April 1	Illinois Jacquet and His Orchestra Russell Jacquet, Fats Navarro, Joe Newman (tp); J. J. Johnson (tb); Jimmy Powell (as); Illinois Jacquet (ts); Lei Parker (bars); Sir Charles Thompson (p); Freddie Greene (g); Al Lucas (b); Shadow Wilson (d). Unidentified Studio, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Aladdin. Leonard Feather (prod).	For details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 147–48.
April 12	Saturday Night Swing Session Fats Navarro (tp); Bill Harris (tb); Charlie Ventura, Allen Eager (ts); Roy Ross (acc); Ralph Burns (p, arr); Lennie Tristano (p); Al Valente (g); Chubby Jackson (b); Buddy Rich (d). WNEW Studios, New York, NY. WNEW broadcast 8:35-9–30 p.m.: Saturday Night Swing Session.	“On the Radio Today,” New York Times, April 12, 1947: 8:30 p.m.: WNEW: News – Swing Session. For details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 148–50.
May 5	JATP Buck Clayton, Roy Eldridge (tp); Kai Winding (tb); Willie Smith, Charlie Parker (as); Coleman Hawkins, Flip Philips (ts); Harry Carney (bars); Kenny Kersey, Billy Strayhorn, Hank Jones. Lennie Tristano (p); Oscar Pettiford, Eddie Safranski, Benny Fonville (b); Alvin Stoller, Buddy Rich (d); Helen Humes (voc). Carnegie Hall, New York, NY. 8:00 p.m. Fats Navarro was not performing here, in spite of his presence in the ad in New York Amsterdam News on May 3. Broadcasts WNYZ: 10:00 p.m. Surviving recordings exist.	“On the Upbeat,” Variety, April 9, 1047. 40: JATP will do six dates in the Carnegie Hall Pop Concert series. Ad in New York Amsterdam News, May 3, 1947, 21. “Granz N. Y. Bash Misses,” Down Beat, May 21, 1947, 6: this very comprehensive review has no mention of Navarro, but mentions Kai Winding, Roy Eldridge and Charlie Parker who seem to have been the surprise stars. “On the Radio Today,” New York Times, May 5, 1947: WNYC, 10:00 p.m.: Carnegie Pop Concert: Jazz at the Philharmonic — Presented by Norman Granz. http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=470505
Summer?	Tommy Reynolds Orchestra Navarro plays for a short time with Tommy Reynolds.	L. Feather, Encyclopedia of Jazz, new ed. (1960), 348.
July 18	Tommy Reynolds Orchestra 14 pieces black and white: Tommy Reynolds (cl, dir); 6 brass, 4 reeds; p; Sid Gary (b, voc); d; Laurel Watson (voc). Illinois Jacquet Orchestra 7 pieces: 2 tp; Illinois Jacquet (ts); bars; p; b; d. Kenny and Lloyd Sid Gary Count LeRoy Spider Bruce John Vigal, Vivian Harris Apollo Theater, NYC. July 18–24.	Ad in New York Age, July 19 1947, 5. “House Reviews: Apollo,” Variety, July 23, 1947, 43, 47: Nothing explicit about Navarro here.
August	Fats Navarro/Bud Powell Reports on Navarro and Bud Powell sitting in with Parker’s Quintet at the Three Deuces, New York, NY.	I. Gitler, Jazz Masters of the ’40s (1984), 110: describes Powell and Navarro one night at the Three Deuces sitting in with Parker (replacing Duke Jordan and Miles Davis).
August 21	Coleman Hawkins Orchestra Including Fats Navarro and Chuck Wayne? Three Deuces, New York, NY. August 21–September early.	“Goings on about Town: Three Deuces,” New Yorker, August 16, 1947: Coleman Hawkins Orchestra. T. Rehak interview with Chuck Wayne. See L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 136–37, 157–59. In connection of the December 11 recording session Wayne tells that Navarro played at 52^nd Street with Hawkins and him. We have found no traces of such a gig in December. This may refer to the Hawkins engagement at the Three Deuces (August 21–September early. http://fidelseyeglasses.blogspot.dk/2008/08/in-memoriam-diego-mofeta-iborra.html: Photo showing Fats Navarro at the Three Deuces in company with Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins and Cuban musicians. This may be from this period.
August–September	Fats Navarro Rumored Savoy recording session with Terry Gibbs, Leo Parker, and Fats Navarro, in quartet.	G. Hoefer, Unused notes for the article in Down Beat, January 27, 1966. IJS, Rutgers University, NJ. See L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 131.
August–September	Jam session/concert Small’s Paradise, New York, NY. Trumpet battle: Howard McGhee-Fats Navarro.	P. Schaap-interview with Howard McGhee: this event was after McGhee’s return to New York, probably in August, but it may have been during McGhee’s short stay in New York in April. See L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 132.
September 26	Tadd Dameron Sextet Fats Navarro (tp); Ernie Henry (as); Charlie Rouse (ts); Tadd Dameron (p); Nelson Boyd (b); Shadow Wilson (d). WOR Studios, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Blue Note. Alfred Lion (prod): Doug Watkins (recording engineer).	For details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 133-34, 151–55.
September 28	Jam session/concert Fats Navarro (tp): Kai Winding (tb); Lee Konitz, Charlie Kennedy (as); Allan Eager (ts); Marion DaVito (bars); Tadd Dameron, Johnny Malachi, (p): Leonard Gaskin, Curley Russell (b); Kenny Clarke (dr); Kay Penton (voc). Club Troubadour, New York, NY. 4–8 p.m. Monte Kay and Teddy Reig (prod).	See L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 100, 133.
September 29	Tadd Dameron Sextet Probably: Fats Navarro (tp); Ernie Henry (as); Charlie Rouse (ts); Tadd Dameron (p); Curley Russell (b); Kenny Clarke (d). Allen Eager Band Including art Mardigan. Club 18 (Club Troubadour), New York, NY. September 29–October early.	“Debts Shutter Swing Spot,” Down Beat, October 8, 1947, 3: “Troubaduor closed after O’Day’s first week… At press time the original owner of the Troubadour, Freddie Lamb, decided to re-open as Club 18 with Tadd Dameron’s group as attraction.” “Where the Bands Are Playing.” Down Beat, October 22, 1947, 21: Dameron at Club 18 opposite Allen Eager.
October 19	Jam session Fats Navarro, Red Rodney (tp); Ernie Henry (as); Allen eager (ts); Tadd Dameron, Thelonious Monk (p); Leonard Gaskin (b); Art Blakey (d). Downbeat Club, New York, NY. 4–8 p.m.	Handbill in Leonard Gaskin’s collection. See L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 100, 133.
October 24	Arnett Cobb and His Quintet Tadd Dameron Sextet Probably: Fats Navarro (tp); Ernie Henry (as); Charlie Rouse (ts); Tadd Dameron (p); Curley Russell (b); Kenny Clarke (d). Downbeat Club, New York, NY. October 24–Nov. 12?	Ad in New York Amsterdam News, October 25, 1947, 23.
October 28	Tadd Dameron and His Band Fats Navarro (tp); Ernie Henry (as); Charlie Rouse (ts); Tadd Dameron (p); Curley Russell (b); Kenny Clarke (d); Kay penton (voc). Harry Smith Studios, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Savoy. Teddy Reig (prod).	For details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 135, 155–57.
November 8	Bands for Bonds Barry Ulanov and His All-Star Metronome Jazzmen Charlie Parker (as); Fats Navarro (tp); John La Porta (cl); Allen Eager (ts); Lennie Tristano (p); Billy Bauer (g); Tommy Potter (b); Buddy Rich (d); Sarah Vaughan (d). Bruce Elliott, Barry Ulanov (ann). Mutual Studios, New York, NY. November 11, 1947. Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS) broadcast. 1:30—2:00 p.m. EST: Bands for Bonds.	“Network Programs,” Daily Sentinel (Rome, NY.), November 7, 1947, 15: Saturday, November 8: 1:30—2 p.m.: Mutual: Bands for Bonds. For details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 135, 157–59, 135–136. See also: http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/BirdSessions.aspx?s=471108
November 19	Concert Lennie Tristano Trio Including Billy Bauer. Fats Navarro (tp): Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Al Steele, Jimmy Oliver(saxes); Harold West (d); Bill Scott (voc). Town Hall, Philadelphia, PA. 8:30 p.m. Jazz Festival Society (prod).	Ad in Philadelphia Inquirer, November 16, 1947, 24. “Jazz Bill Wednesday,” Philadelphia Inquirer, November 16, 1947, 25.
November mid	Fats Navarro Probably with local musicians. Downbeat Club, Philadelphia, PA. 2 weeks.	“Thru the ‘Spy’ Glass,” Philadelphia Tribune, November 22, 1947, 5.
December	Coleman Hawkins Orchestra Including Fats Navarro and Chuck Wayne. Engagement on 52^nd Street, New York, NY.	T. Rehak interview with Chuck Wayne. See L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 136–37, 157–59. We have not been able to verify such a gig. This may refer to the Hawkins gig at the Three Deuces (August 21–September early.
December 5	Fats Navarro and His Band Fats Navarro (tp); Charlie Rouse (ts); Tadd Dameron (p); Nelson Boyd (b); Art Blakey (d). Harry Smith Studios, New York, NY. 7–10 p.m. Commercial recordings for Savoy. Teddy Reig (prod).	For details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 136, 159–62.
December 11	Coleman Hawkins Orchestra Fats Navarro (tp); J. J. Johnson (tb); Budd Johnson (as); Coleman Hawkins (ts); Marion DaVito (bars); Hank Jones 8p); Chuck Wayne (g); Jack Lesberg (b); Max Roach (d); Tadd Dameron (arr). Victor Sound Studios, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Victor. Leonard feather (prod).	For details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 137, 163–64.
December 22	Dexter Gordon and His Boys Fats Navarro (tp); Dexter Gordon (ts); Tadd Dameron (p); Nelson Boyd (b); Art Mardigan (d). Unidentified studio, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Savoy. Teddy Reig (prod).	For details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation – The Music and Life of Theodore “Fats” Navarro (2009), 137–38, 164–66.